The world's shortest dwarf is nearly 60 cm tall

A young man living in a poor family in the Philippine countryside yesterday was officially recognized as the smallest person on the planet on the anniversary of his 18th birthday.

Guinness Records has awarded certificates to Junrey Balawing, who is 59.93cm tall , at his birthday party.

BBC quoted Craig Glenday, official of Guinness organization, saying: ' He officially became the world's shortest dwarf ' in the wake of Balawing's relatives and friends at his birthday party at the age of 18. Balawing in Sindangan town on Mindanao island, southern Philippines.

The world's shortest dwarf was awarded the Guinness Book of Records certification. Photo : AFP

Supporters, including politicians, donated money to Balawing. His family said they would put in his little savings.

' Thank you to everyone who has supported and helped my son, the world 's shortest man, ' Balawing's father said.

Balawing is 7cm lower than the man who held the title of the world's dwarf since October last year, Khagendra Thapa Magar, who lives in Nepal.

Balawing's relatives said that he had a hard time standing and walking, but the local community always helped and protected him.

Balawing's father, the world's lowest, has stopped growing since he was 2 years old. He used to be sick and doctors could not explain why he did not develop. Meanwhile, Balawing's 3 siblings have grown normally.